The Best Roguelike Deckbuilders on Steam | Surprise Recommendations Emerge
A growing number of players are discussing the latest roguelike deckbuilders on Steam, with mixed opinions about ratings and the inclusion of beloved titles. While some favorites shine, others are receiving little acknowledgment, prompting gamers to voice their thoughts on forums this July.
Mixed Reactions from Gamers
As players weigh in, confusion surrounding certain games labeled as deckbuilders has emerged. "I mean the game is disguised as a roguelike deckbuilder but it’s not really one tho," said one player, reflecting skepticism about game classifications. Additionally, one developer expressed their surprise at the rating of their game, admitting they feel unworthy of being compared to classics like Slay the Spire, stating, "I think the rating is ridiculous honestly lol."
Notable Absent Classics
Several fan-favorite games were notably absent from recent discussions. A player highlighted their frustration with the omission of Inscryption, while another shared their experience with the genre: "Crazy I haven’t stopped playing Slay the Spire after 500 hours but quit Balatro after about 10 hours." This reveals how some classics continue to dominate player time.
Rising Stars in Deckbuilding
New titles are gaining traction alongside established games. "Starvaders is a sleeper hit for real!" praised one player, urging others to check it out. Another remarked about Monster Train 2, calling it a blast and reinforcing its entertaining gameplay. The synergy and unique elements of Emberward, a hybrid game blending tower defense with deck-building, were also highly recommended. This aligns with a user's commendation that it’s "gangsta" and should be checked out by all.
A Unique Quirk
Interestingly, one commenter brought attention to a less-known title, remarking on the "Rogue Light Deck Builder," humorously noting it involves building a wooden porch with unreliable light.
Community Pulse
Overall, sentiment within the community remains optimistic. There’s a clear passion for the genre, with players eager to explore diverse offerings while questioning some categorization decisions.
Key Insights
🔥 Omissions: Classics like Inscryption went unrecognized.
🌟 Emerging Titles: Starvaders and Emberward are receiving considerable attention.
🎮 Developer Feedback: One lead designer reflects on their game’s rating, noting it's intimidating to be compared to classics.
This increasing conversation on gaming forums signals a vibrant community actively engaging with the evolving roguelike deckbuilding space. With the distinct tastes of players in 2025, it seems developers may need to reconsider how they present and categorize their offerings.
Curiously, as players continue to champion older favorites, the push for more innovative and clearly defined categories could lead to a redefined genre landscape.